The mouthparts are slender, needle-like; the antennae are short and hidden from dorsal view; the body is parallel-sided and at least ¼ inch (5 mm) long; the front legs are slender; the middle and hind legs are fringed with swimming hairs; the hind legs are long and flattened, oar-like; swims upside down.

Characteristics

POLLUTION TOLERANCE

0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant

FEEDING HABITS

Piercer / Predator

MOVEMENT

Climber
Swimmer

Diagnostic Characters

Order

Hemelytra

Needle-like Beak

Family

Antennae Shorter than Head

Body Convex Dorsally

Long, Oar-like Hind Legs

Swimming Hairs on Legs

+ Expanded Character List

Order:
Adults: With or without wings. If wings present, forewings typically leathery or hard basally and translucent and flexible apically. Nymphs: With or without wing pads. Segmented legs present. Mandibles hidden within needle-like beak in adults and nymphs.

Family:
The mouthparts are slender, needle-like; the antennae are short and hidden from dorsal view; the body is parallel-sided and at least ¼ inch (5 mm) long; the front legs are slender; the middle and hind legs are fringed with swimming hairs; the hind legs are long and flattened, oar-like; swims upside down.

Media

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